Low Risk

The Low Risk Sub-Committee (LRSC) provides an expedited review process for research that meets the National Statement definition of low and negligible risk (see National Statement Chapter 2).

As of 1 September 2021 low risk research proposals, undergoing a non-HREC level review, are accepted under the National Mutual Acceptance (NMA) scheme in all jurisdictions except South Australia. Please see Policy Position for further information.

The LRSC reports to the ACT Health Human Research Ethics Committee (see the LRSC terms of reference).

Application Submission Process

Low risk research applications must be made electronically using the REGIS platform.  Applications need to be accompanied by a separate protocol document and any supporting documentation.

All submissions for low risk research must provide a protocol. The below template is provided to assist with this requirement. 

Participant Information Sheet and Consent Form Template

Section 2.2 of the National Statement Seeking and giving consent provides guidance on providing information to participants as part of the consenting process. Consent should be a voluntary choice, and should be based on sufficient information and adequate understanding of both the proposed research and the implications of participation in it.  What is needed to satisfy these conditions depends on the nature of the project, and may be affected by the requirements of the codes, laws, ethics and cultural sensitivities of the community in which the research is to be conducted.

LRSC Meeting Schedule

The Low Risk Ethics Committee meets approximately every two weeks depending on the number applications to be heard.

Once received submissions will be allocated to the next available meeting. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement email which will provide the meeting date the application will be reviewed and the Low Risk Ethics Reference number allocated to your application.  Applicants will be able to track the progress of their application through the REGIS platform.

Page last updated on: 5 Dec 2022